Geelong assistant Nathan Buckley has said he would need to hear from North Melbourne about what coach they want before considering pushing for the vacancy left by Alastair Clarkson.
The Kangaroos entered the coaching market after sacking Clarkson last week with one year to go on his contract.
Buckley was previously linked to the Arden Street club before taking up the head role at Collingwood in 2012, and has been in the running for the Melbourne and Tasmania jobs, although the latter was a real ambition of his.
He revealed on Fox Footy's On the Couch that he hadn't been contacted yet by North Melbourne.
“I haven't (been contacted), and the question is not so much of me (as) it is of North Melbourne,” Buckley said.
“What are they looking for? What are the attributes? What are the proficiencies they're looking for in a senior coach?
“What sort of space do they want that person to be able to provide for development, performance, growth of their people on and off the field?
“Only they know that now, and it's now their job to go to the market to find out.”
Buckley was believed to be the frontrunner for the Demons job before turning his attention to the Devils last year, resulting in Steven King taking on the Melbourne role.
The Pies great was the frontrunner for the bulk of Tasmania's chase, until Ken Hinkley and John Longmire indicated their interest in taking on the inaugural AFL side.
Hinkley eventually won the role, leaving Buckley at Geelong as an assistant under modern-day great Chris Scott.
Buckley said in July he was really keen on the Devils role and could remain at the Cats next year.
“I'll be absolutely committed to what's going on at Geelong. I've got an option for an extra year there, and that's probably the most likely outcome. And if that's the worst thing that's come about through this process, then I'm honoured and grateful for that opportunity," he said.
“I determined that (wanting to be a senior coach again) about 12 months ago, but that's what I believe that I'm capable of doing. That's what I want to do, but Tassie weren't the right fit.”
